For our friends and family, near and far, here's a look at where we are. Life gets in the way of living, goes too fast & I keep forgetting. Did I send that picture out? Did I share that famous pout? So visit often and you'll see-what's new with the Homer Family. **NOTE-anytime you see bright green text, run the mouse over it, most of the time I use that to designate a link to another page...

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Where does the time go!? I am so thankful that I take the time to jot down notes every few months on what is going on with the Homerhouse. These kids just keep growing so, so fast. It seems like yesterday we were cheering for first smiles, steps and lost teeth. We are moving on to new firsts like middle school, band and sports accomplishments. Looming in my future are first dates and driving lessons. I am NOT ready to have a teenager in my house. Not that Jared isn't a great kid, it's just the marking of a new chapter in our lives. Some days I wish I could slow down time and some days I would like to hit the fast forward button. For better or worse I am glad to be getting all of this written down somewhere. My scrapbooks are about 80% complete and I will, someday, complete the one I have started. Until then my blog will have to be the bridge to then and now. Its just so much easier to sit at the computer for 5 minutes than to pull out all of my scrap booking stuff. I'll save that for when I need something to do when the kids have left home ;). Until then my schedule is packed tight with church, school and sports stuff for the kids. That won't last forever so I will take it while I have it...crazy as it may be.

On reason for the melancholy post is the attached picture. You never notice how quick the time passes with the little everyday things we deal with. We got to see our best friends this Christmas that we haven't seen in a long time. I was amazed with how much everything had changed yet had remained the same. Seeing someone everyday you don't notice the little things...I'm glad I have the pictures to remember them even if I don't see them happening.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.

What a wonderful time of the year. The decorations are up, cookies are made, things are starting to slow down. Time to reflect on the meaning of the season. So many wonderful Christmas memories this year. We kicked off the season with the annual Mt. Bethel concert. The kids usually love this and with Jared in orchestra now he really enjoys seeing all the instruments. I took the opportunity to take photos of the kids for our annual Christmas card as well. What a wonderful afternoon! We decided to treat the kids to Mellow Mushroom (Jared's favorite) afterwards, ahhh...let the season begin!

We also had a wonderful evening with great friends and family at Mamaw & Pap's. What a great chance to see how all the kids have grown, not to mention the size of the family. :D

We missed our annual trip to Bethlehem, we were all really sad about this. Schedules just didn't work with Rob being gone out of the country and the kids coming down with colds. The good news for them being sick was that we had more time at home (swim practice wasn't really conducive for coughing fits) to listen to holiday music and watch Christmas shows. Sometimes God slows ya down when things get really hectic. It was a nice chance to catch our breath in the middle of a normally busy time. We did manage to get Kevin to the eye doctor to replace the glasses that were lost in Orlando. He also got contacts so that is a BIG change for him. Once he figures out that he doesn't need to "come in for a landing" with the contact, it should go smoother. ;)

Tuesday of this week we had Jared's 7/8th grade orchestra concert. He is still principle 2nd Violin (yay!). They played little drummer boy and Baroque Fugue (sp?) Afterwards, we treated the kids to a trip to see Santa and milkshakes for everyone. :) Making memories...

This past weekend was busy with a swim meet but we still snuck in some holiday magic. Driving home from the meet we got to see some lights that we normally wouldn't see. I would still like to drive around an see our neighbors lights and decorations. Maybe this week ?? Running out of time I guess... (oh and at the swim meet, Jared had 6/6 personal best events. He had 3 200's on Saturday which was difficult but he did fantastic. Ryan placed in the top 3 for all 7 of her events.)

We are looking forward to this weekend! Christmas Eve will see Grammy, Pop Pop, Gran, Grandfather and Uncle Ricky at the Homerhouse. We will celebrate Christmas here as well and then off to the Halvorsen's for the annual "Cousin's Christmas". I am quite certain that a trip to Hartwell is in the works. We spent very little time there this summer due to crazy schedules, I would like to just plant myself on the couch, next to the tree and the fire until I grow roots. Just kidding, but that is my favorite spot-with a nice coffee and my new book. I know the kids have plans to go to the movies, help Uncle Ricky in the garage and play outside if the weather cooperates. A trip to Discover Mills is in the cards too I hear. As long as I'm with my peeps, I don't care where we go or what we do.

Christmas greetings from the Homerhouse!! Stay tuned for Christmas Day pics. :)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Homerhouse decided to go on a road trip this year. I got a call from RCI in September that we had a week in space bank that we had to use or we would lose it. We had already paid to keep it in the bank and figured why not try and take a trip down to Orlando. It had been two years since we went as a family. Seeing as I had my hours cut back at work we decided to go as cheap as we could. We cashed in Delta points for gift cards, Coke points for gas cards and hotel points for restaurant coupons. All in all we spent about $400 out of pocket for a 9 day trip for 5. Not bad! Can I get on one of those coupon shows??

The first day we drove in and hit Disney Quest. As we left downtown Disney Rob ran up to customer service to see if we were finished with our no expiration tickets. By my calculation we had used up all of our tickets. Apparently not. We had one day left over so we decided to plan on a water park for Tuesday.

Sunday was Downtown Disney, visit with our Disney Gypsy Staci and dinner at my cousin's. Thank you Nave's for a wonderful dinner and chance to get caught up before #2 arrives! :D

Monday was Harry Potter at Universal, so first things first.

I cannot begin to describe how wonderful Hogwarts and Hogsmeade is. There are no words for Harry Potter fans. The kids loved it and so did I. The boys read the entire series this Fall so they really could take it all in. Ryan has seen all the movies so she enjoyed it as well. I...would move there ;)

Tuesday was the water park and we had the best weather of the week, we picked a good day. I even rode some rides. ;)

Wednesday was back to Universal, but we hit a snag. The HULK ate Kevin's glasses. Poor Bu was so upset. On the bright side he was due for new ones anyways. We did leave a bit early to meet up with Stace again. We enjoyed some Disney Pixie dust and headed home for a quick sleep.

Thursday we were right back at the park for opening. We drive those poor kids like mules. They will be so happy to get back to school after a theme park trip! We scooted out again early to visit one last time with Staci before leaving.

Friday was a LONG day that the parks, open to close and we squeezed as much as we could get into the day. Including, but not limited to, a near dislocation of Ryan's shoulder from a whozshamadoodle on the Dr. Seuss merry go round, an out of body experience for me on the Doctor Doom Fear Fall and a probable broken rib for Rob on Jurassic Park. All in a day's fun!! :D

Saturday we got up bright and early and headed over to Palm Coast to visit with my Aunt and Uncle. We had a blast at the pool, on our nature hunt and just hanging out in the theater of their condo building. I really did not want to leave on Sunday. Traffic was looming before us so we got an early start. It was sad to leave the sunshine state but we know we will be back soon!! :D

Jared in front of his most favoritest eatery-Blondies

Rob's favorite part-Jurassic Park....well it was until he met his demise on the straight down drop.